Whitley wants good performance against Halifax

10th January 2017

Matt Whitley wants Widnes Vikings to ramp up their preparations for the 2017 Betfred Super League season with a good performance against Halifax RLFC on Sunday.

The Vikings take on the Kingstone Press Championship side on Sunday 15th January at the Select Security Stadium in their second pre-season fixture of the new campaign.

The 20 year-old missed the 28-18 defeat to local rivals Warrington Wolves in the Festive Derby last month, but says that the players have stepped up in training since the game to ensure they are fully prepared for the long season ahead.

"I thought that we played well for the majority of the Warrington game," he said.

"It was just for little moments in the game that we dropped off and they punished us for it. But we have been training hard all over pre-season to make sure that we get things right in these fixtures so when the season starts in February, we're ready."

In the corresponding pre-season fixture in 2016, Halifax fought back from 16-0 down to earn a 16-16 draw, and Whitley believes this year's fixture is going to be just as tough.

"It's definitely going to be a tough game," he said.

"Halifax are a good side, so we're not going to take things lightly. As a team, we're going to look to play well and make sure we put out our best performance on Sunday."

Whitley heads into the new season following a very impressive 2016 campaign, in which he scooped two Club awards at the Play Casino Games Awards Night, whilst also finishing as the Super League Young Player of the Year runner up at the Steve Prescott Man of Steel awards.

All of this has been rewarded by Matt being given the number 12 shirt by Head Coach Denis Betts for next year, but Whitley is adamant that he has to work even harder to ensure that he keeps it for the coming seasons.

"I was absolutely made up to be given the number 12 shirt," he said.

"It's down to me now to make sure that I don't lose it. I've got to put in the performances over the season to earn it."

"2016 was a great season for me, but that has now gone and I've got to put it behind me. I'm looking to improve this season and hopefully in turn I will become a better player over the year."

Tickets for the Vikings game against Halifax RLFC on Sunday are still on sale. Special 2017 Vikings Stronghold Members advanced price tickets are on sale at the Vikings Superstore, located within Tesco Extra, Widnes, or by calling the ticket line on 0151 495 2250.

2017 Viking Stronghold Member Advanced Price

Adult £10Concession £8Junior £3

*Stronghold Members prices available until 5pm on Saturday 14th January*

General & Match Day Ticket Price

Adult £14Concession £11Junior £6

Executive seating will be available in the Gold and Silver area on a first come first served basis and will include a complimentary pie, chips and peas.